`Cutting the ROV umbilical´: inferential positioning, acoustic communication and machine intelligence

Reports results of both computer simulations and model experiments which clearly demonstrate that, using inference methods, position determination within a complex rig structure is entirely possible. The method used relies on information extracted from the reverberation returns from structural members adjacent to the ROV. Accuracy is seen to be quite acceptable for engineering survey requirements. The WISP positioning system in conjunction with the BASS 600 DPSK data link, offers the potential for the first time, for `cutting the umbilical´, thus making for safe and easy working of a ROV within a complex rig structure